The survey of over 1,500 people found that 65 per cent of non- smokers and 43 per cent of smokers knew that 'third-hand smoke', defined as the tobacco smoke residue which lingers on surfaces, clothes and hair, was harmful.
The researchers said that when people smoke outside, children could still be exposed to tobacco toxins through open windows and doors, and from the smoker exhaling chemicals for several minutes after finishing their cigarette.
They said that health warnings on the dangers of third-hand smoke should be incorporated into current anti-smoking campaigns.
The study said that children are particularly susceptible to third-hand smoke exposure because they breathe, crawl and play around contaminated surfaces, and ingest twice the amount of dust per day as adults.
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